Architecture Informational Meeting

Those interested in the Architecture major can attend an informational meeting presented by Lee Waldrip from the Architecture program, to be held on Wednesday, October 12 at 4PM in room 514 of the Illini Union Bookstore Building - this is just outside of the DGS office.

College of Education Transfer Meetings

Interested in a major in the College of Education? They're holding meetings every week this semester where you can learn about their programs and how to transfer in to them. Here's the blurb I received with the details:
The College of Education will conduct weekly Informational Sessions for students who desire to transfer into the College of Education.  Students may have questions pertaining to the application process for:
(1) Pre-Teacher Education http://education.illinois.edu/programs/pte.html, 
(2) Early Childhood Education  http://education.illinois.edu/programs/ed_major_appl.html
(3) Elementary Education  http://education.illinois.edu/programs/ed_major_appl.html
(4) Special Education  http://education.illinois.edu/programs/ed_major_appl.html.  
Please attend one of our Informational Sessions held every Wed., 4-5pm, Education Bldg., Room 210A, beginning Wed., Aug. 31st – Wed., Dec. 7th.  Pre-Teacher Education Advisor, Joe Cross, will facilitate these sessions and they are the BEST way for students to get all their questions answered regarding the four majors.  The same information will be presented at each session.  

College of Business Transfer Meetings

The College of Business has four ICT Informational Sessions slated for the fall semester.  Here is a video which contains information similar to that which will be presented at these meetings: http://business.illinois.edu/undergrad/prospective_students/icts-requirements.html

Monday, August 29
11:00am
166 Wohlers Hall

Tuesday, August 30
2:00pm
166 Wohlers Hall

Wednesday, October 12
2:00pm
130 Wohlers Hall

Thursday, October 13
9:00am
130 Wohlers Hall

BioMath

Math is important in biology. Want to explore the connections? Check out the new BioMath program: http://www.math.uiuc.edu/biomath/

Pre-Health Information

If you identified yourself to the university as being interested in a healthcare career, then chances are you recently received this information by email from The Career Center. For those of you who are just starting your interest in healthcare (and I've met with several just today!) you should check this out:

Welcome to the fall semester! You are receiving this email because you indicated a pre-health educational goal, such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine. 
The Career Center offers a variety of services to assist you, from the time you begin thinking about a health profession, to the moment you are admitted to a professional program. Some of the services we offer include:

• Pre-health services for the first two weeks of the semester (August 22-September 2):
• Information sessions: This is your first stop if you have never visited The Career Center. These sessions will cover how to get started with classes and activities, resources on campus, and ways that The Career Center can help you with your preparation. Information sessions will be held Tuesday-Friday from 12-1 pm during the first two weeks of the fall semester:

1. August 23, 25, 26, 30, 31 & September 2: Illini Union Room 407
2. August 24: Illini Union General Lounge
3. September 1: Illini Union Room 314B

• Pre-health drop-in hours for the first two weeks:
• Tuesday-Friday 9-11 am & 1-3 pm
• Health Careers Chronicle: this weekly newsletter will share tips and information about clubs, volunteering, and other opportunities to help you in your preparation. We strongly encourage you to sign up for the Health Careers Chronicle here: http://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/prehealth/chronicle/signup

We have lots of events throughout the fall semester, including a health related student organization fair, Pre-Health Wednesdays, and much more! 
Sign up for the Health Careers Chronicle if you would like to continue receiving pre-health emails from The Career Center: http://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/prehealth/chronicle/signup. 
Are you ready for the year? Visit The Career Center today!
Pre-health advising staff at The Career Center (www.careercenter.illinois.edu) 
715 S. Wright Street (Student Services Arcade Building, across from the Alma Mater)
217-333-0820

Online Psychology Research Study Seeks Participants

The Personality Assessment Lab is looking for adults aged 18 or older to participate in a study on personality and psychological functioning. Participants completing the online survey and cheek swab are paid $10. Contact Michelle at mschoen2 - at - illinois.edu Complete online survey: http://go.illinois.edu/personality_behavior

Disability Resources and Educational Service in New Location

While the Rehabilitation-Education Center undergoes major remodeling during academic year 2011-12, all academic services for students with disabilities provided by the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services have been relocated to Beckwith Hall, 201 E. John, Champaign. Call 217-333-4603 with questions.

New Fall Gen Ed Option: Fundamentals of Environmental Science

Here's a physical science gen ed option; this is best suited to students who are NOT planning on going into a technical/scientific major:
NRES100: Fundamentals of Environmental Science

(CRN is 57864) that meets in Allen Hall (Room 40) Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:00 to 3:15. It is a Physical Sciences Gen Ed.
Credit: 3 hours.
This course satisfies the General Education Criteria for a
Physical Sciences course.
Introduction to environmental sciences and current environment issues. Topics include population growth, world food supplies, agriculture and the environment, biodiversity, fossil fuels and "green" energy issues, endangered and threatened species, water use, conservation and pollution, global warming, acid rain, ozone depletion, waste management and reduction, recycling, toxins and health, mineral resources, and environmental policies and regulations. Course addresses the complex relationships between the human race and the natural systems that contain our air, water, energy, and biotic and food resources. Credit cannot be earned in both NRES 100 and NRES 102.

New Fall Course Option: Why is College so Expensive?

Here's a new discovery course that's relevant to everyone:

Why is College so Expensive?
and Other Important Issues in Higher Education Finance
EOL 199
Fall 2011
3 Credit Hours
Wednesdays 2-4:50pm
126 Wohler’s Hall
This course will explore some of the forces that are reshaping the financing of
postsecondary education in the United States. Using theoretical frameworks from
economics and other disciplines, the course will introduce students to research on
higher education finance. In addition, it will position finance discussions within
contemporary policy debates on topics such as tuition, student debt, financial aid, state
funding of higher education, and the federal role in the support of both students and
institutions of higher education. First Year Discovery Program Course. Students should
enroll in only one Discovery course. Restricted to First Time Freshman students. CRN
58585, Section JD.

College of Media Application is Now Available!

If you are interested in a College of Media major, and meet the transfer requirements (see me to help determine if you do), then you can now apply! College of Media majors are: Advertising, Journalism, Media & Cinema Studies, and Agricultural Communication. Here's the info I received:
The College of Media's Fall 2011 ICT application is now online! http://media.illinois.edu/future/applying.html 

Application process: Completion of an online form, a 500-word essay, and print outs of the application confirmation page and the student's academic history.  The application deadline is 3pm, Friday September 30th.
(All procedures are explained in more detail through the website above.)
Reminder:  
The College of Media will be holding 3 Informational Sessions for students that wish to transfer into the College for the Spring 2012 term. If students have questions about the application process or the Advertising, Agricultural Communication, Broadcast Journalism, Media and Cinema Studies, or News Editorial Journalism majors, please encourage them to attend one of our informational sessions. These sessions are the BEST way to get all questions answered by representatives from each department as well as by academic advisors. (The same information will be covered at each session, so students only need to attend one.)
The sessions will all be held from 4:00-4:50 in 100 Greg.  The dates are:
Tuesday, August 30th
Wednesday, September 14th
Thursday, September 22nd

Volunteers Needed: Stress Management Peer Leaders

McKinley Heath Center’s Health Education Unit is seeking volunteers to become Stress Management Peer (SMP) Leaders.  SMP is dedicated to providing education & awareness to UI students on stress-related topics and concerns. We facilitate stress-related workshops, participate in campus-wide program planning and other organizational events while embracing the diversity of our campus. This is a great opportunity to enhance leadership skills and meet new and interesting people. Strong communication skills desired. This hands-on experience is a great volunteer opportunity!

Learn to Stress Less! Limited time to join! Join today! 
Interest session will be held at the Illini Union, Room 314A on Tuesday, August 30th at 5:00 p.m.
For more information please contact Suzi Blanco at 333-2714 or via email at sblanco2 - at - @illinois.edu.

Want to Study Abroad? Start the Process Now!

In the past, Illinois students interested in studying abroad were sent to a "First Steps" meeting. But starting this semester, there is a new way to help you begin the process. And you want to start early, because chances are you don't even know the questions you should be asking! Now, you can start by watching a video online.



1.) Watch the First Steps Video Series
2.) Research Programs/Get Questions Answered in the Resource Room, or at an Initial Group Advising Session
3.) Apply to a program


The link to our videos and Initial Group Advising Sessions is below:
http://www.studyabroad.illinois.edu/earlyplanning/where_to_start.aspx

Winter Courses Abroad!

I got this exciting info about an opportunity to study abroad without missing any time here on campus:
Winter Courses Abroad are led by U of I Faculty over winter break and are great for students who are either not ready to go abroad for an entire academic year or semester, or for students facing other academic, familial, or financial obstacles to long-term study abroad experiences. To find out more, please feel free to attend our Winter Course Abroad Information Session and Social where you will hear from Illinois faculty leading some of our programs!

Winter Courses Abroad this year include:
ADV 399: Advertising Across Borders - Consumerism in Neo-Emerging Markets, Dominican Republic led by Professor William Berry
ANTH 445: Primate Behavior, Ecology, Ecosystem Sustainability and Conservation, Costa Rica led by Professor Paul Garber
GLBL 298: Globalization and Inequality in Post-apartheid in Cape Town, South Africa led by Professor Ken Salo
GLBL 298: Cultural Diversity in Modern Turkey led by Professor Ercan Balci
GLBL 298: Diversity and Integration in Jerusalem, Israel led by Professor Yore Kedem
GLBL 298: Globalization and Language and Culture of India led by Professor Mithilesh Mishra
GLBL 298: Tourism and Economic Development in Peru led by Professor Helaine Silverman
GLBL 298: Global Studies in Shanghai, China led by Professor Gary Xu
GLBL 298: International Development and Community Service in Nicaragua led by Professor Laura Hastings
GLBL 298: Understanding Businesses, Customers and Markets in India and China led by Professor John Clarke

Fall Course Option: EPSY202 Exploring Cultural Diversity

This course, which fulfills a US Minorities Cultures gen ed, still has seats available for the fall.

College of Media ICT Dates Set

The College of Media has set its dates for ICT (Intercollegiate transfer) meetings for the fall semester. Students interested in any College of Media major (Advertising, Journalism, Agricultural Communications, or Media and Cinema Studies) should plan on attending one of these events. The full blurb is below:

The College of Media will be holding 3 Informational Sessions for students that wish to transfer into the College for the Spring 2012 term. If students have questions about the application process or the Advertising, Agricultural Communication, Broadcast Journalism, Media and Cinema Studies, or News Editorial Journalism majors, please encourage them to attend one of our informational sessions. These sessions are the BEST way to get all questions answered by representatives from each department as well as by academic advisors. (The same information will be covered at each session, so students only need to attend one.)
The sessions will all be held from 4:00-4:50 in 100 Greg.  The dates are:
Tuesday, August 30th
Wednesday, September 14th
Thursday, September 22nd
The College of Media's Fall 2011 ICT application will be available at this link the first week of class:  http://media.illinois.edu/future/applying.html 
Application process: Completion of an online form, a 500-word essay, and print outs of the application confirmation page and the student's academic history.  Apps are due to 18 Gregory Hall by 3pm on Friday, September 30th.  (All procedures are explained in more detail through the website above.)

Power Reading Course

The Power Reading Course is designed to help students improve their reading speed, concentration, comprehension and productivity. This is a non-graded, non-credit, twelve session course that meets for 50 minutes on a 
M-W or T-TH sequence. Sessions will be available twice a semester. Books and materials will be provided. A materials fee of $15.00 will be assessed each student. 
Schedule
First Session:
M&W Sections: September 12 – October 19, at 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm, in room 309 English Building
T&TH Sections: September 13 – October 20, at 10am, 11am, and 12pm, in room 307 English Building 
Second Session:
M&W Sections: October 24 – December 7, at 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm, in room 309 English Building
T&TH Sections: October 25 – December 6, at 10am, 11am, and 12pm, in room 307 English Building 
Registration Information
Applications for Fall 2011 are now available.  Register online at www.illinois.edu/goto/powerreadingregistration. If you have questions regarding registration or need any additional registration or need any additional information, please email Susan Herbert at skherber - at - illinois.edu

Fall Course Options: Intro Swedish & Scandinavian Gen Eds

Students are warmly welcomed to introductory Swedish, SCAN 101, which has a seats available. This is an interactive, communicative class taught by an award-winning instructor, Dr. Mark Safstrom. Students enrolled in this class and the Swedish Language Sequence (SCAN 101-104) report good camaraderie, including as part of the extra-curricular student-run organization the Scandinavian Club. 
Please also consider the following courses offered by the program:
LAS GEN EDs:
SCAN 225 Vikings and Volvos
SCAN 251 Viking Mythology
SCAN 252 Viking Sagas
For more information about the Scandinavian Studies Program and the Scandinavian Studies Minor, please see http://www.germanic.illinois.edu/scandinavian/

Fall Course Option: AVI101

Have you ever thought about getting your pilot's license?  The Institute of Aviation has seats available in AVI 101 - Private Pilot I this fall. The course has an additional flight fee to cover the cost of the plane and fuel for the course.  If you are interested in signing up for the course or have questions, please email gerhold - at - illinois.edu

DGS Welcome Event! Possible Free T-Shirt!

We're hosting the first-ever DGS Welcome Event this Friday, August 19th at 2PM in Foellinger Auditorium. Want to see a picture of the free t-shirt before deciding to join us? That's fair. Here you go: http://admissions.illinois.edu/emails/DGS_welcome2011.html

Fall Course Option: MCB180 Human Reproduction & Society

There are still seats available in this fall course, which fulfills a life science gen ed. Read more here.

Spanish Info Sessions Set

Dates for the Spanish Info Sessions have been set, and are available here: http://www.sip.illinois.edu/spanish/advising/ and here: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/dmurph/www/index_files/Events/Fall11%20Spanish%20Major%20Minor%20Info%20Sessions.pdf
Students interested in Spanish as a major or minor should plan to attend one of these events.

Pre-Law Events for the Fall

I just received a ton of info about pre-law for the fall. I also uploaded their entire calendar of events here. 
Students can browse pre-law events and RSVP to them online at: http://illinois.edu/calendar/Calendar?calId=2508 

Some of our fall programs include: 
--Freshman Pre-Law Orientation sessions. First year students should attend an orientation prior to scheduling a one-on-one appointment with a pre-law advisor. These sessions will address basic law school planning, including choosing a major, setting short-term and long-term goals, and effectively utilizing campus resources. Students should register on our website so that we can provide enough seating and materials.
--New! Transfer Student Pre-Law Orientation. We have added a Transfer Student Pre-Law Orientation that is especially designed to address the questions and concerns of pre-law students transferring at the sophomore or junior level. Students should register on our website so that we can provide enough seating and materials.
--The Pre-Law Fair will take place on Wednesday, October 26 at the ARC from 11-3. It’s the biggest pre-law event of the year!  Students will be able to meet representatives from nearly 100 law schools, collect information about schools, and even talk to current law students about what law school is really like.  No registration necessary. http://www.prelaw.illinois.edu/prelawfair.html

Global Studies Information Sessions set for Fall 2011

I received the dates for the Global Studies fall information sessions. Students interested in this major should plan on attending one of these events: 
Global Studies Informational Meetings - Fall 2011 Friday, August 19, 1:00 pm Tuesday, August 23, 3:00 pm Friday, August 26, 3:00 pm Thursday, September 1, 4:00 pm Wednesday, October 5, 11:00 am Tuesday, October 11, 4:00 pm Thursday, October 20, 2:00 pm Friday, October 28, 3:00 pm Friday, November 11, 1:00 pm Tuesday, December 6, 1:00 pm

Meetings will be held in the Global Studies Conference Room (703 S. Wright Street, 3rd Floor).
The workshops will last about an hour and will take students through the construction of a major plan of study as well as all necessary forms for the transfer and/or addition of the major or minor. In preparation for the meeting, students are encouraged to visit our website at: www.globalstudies.illinois.edu
Also, I was informed that GLBL100 is now full (any remaining seats are for students already in the major). However, the program advisor can make other coursework suggestions for those interested in the major. Contact me and I'll put you in touch with her.

Fall Course Option: EPSY220

Seats are still available in a number of sections of EPSY220 for the fall. This course, called "Career Theory and Practice," is perfect for students who are exploring their career options, as it provides a structured framework to the career experience. To learn more, read the flyer here.

College Seminar Series

The College Seminar Series for Fall 2011 has been announced. Each College seminar will focus on the requirements to get into a certain college, major, or professional program. These include:

• Engineering
• Nursing
• Education
• Social Work
• LAS
• AHS
• ACES
• Secondary Education
• Business
• Media
• FAA. 

The full schedule can be found here: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/dmurph/www/index_files/Events/COLLEGE%20SEMINAR.pdf

CCP Workshops

Here is the schedule of CCP Workshops, offered jointly between the Counseling Center Paraprofessionals and DGS. Each of these will take place in Room 504 of the Illini Union Bookstore Building, and will run from 4:30 to 6PM. No prior registration is needed - just show up to learn coping skills in each of these topics:

Time Management	Wed., Sept 7
Study Skills	Tues., Sept 13
Overcoming Procrastination	Mon., Sept. 19
Test Anxiety	Wed., Oct 5
Sleep Difficulties	Tues., Oct. 11
Preparing for Finals	Wed., Nov. 30

Research Opportunity

Twins between the ages of 20 through 60 are needed for the Health and Study of Aging's personality psychology study. Study includes completing an extensive survey, an interview and saliva collection. If interested, contact Kathleen at kmoreno at illinois.edu
http://go.illinois.edu/personality_behavior

Research Opportunity

The Personality Assessment Lab is looking for adults aged 18 or older to participate in a study on personality and psychological functioning. Participants completing the online survey and cheek swab are paid $10. Contact Michelle at mschoen2@illinois.edu. Complete online survey: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/187967/hasci-community-wave-3
Questions? Contact Kathleen Moreno kmoreno at illinois.edu

Quad Day

Looking to get involved on campus? Want to see if there is a student organization to meet your needs? Join us on the Quad to check out nearly 500 student organizations looking for members like you! Quad Day also features the world famous Marching Illini and performances by many UI student organizations. Read more here: http://union.illinois.edu/QuadDay_MapandList_2011.pdf

Fall Course Option: Art, Music, & Theatre Discovery Courses

I've been informed that the following Art & Music Discovery Courses are all still available. In fact, they have such low enrollment that they're in danger of being cancelled, so have a back-up plan ready in case this does happen. Discovery courses are only open to freshmen, and it's only recommended that you take one.
Art Course
ART 199 – Visual Language Visual Culture (section LR, CRN 40485) MW 7:00 p.m. – 9:40 p.m. in Room 336A Art and Design Building. 
Taught by L. Robbennolt
Course uses digital photography to explore the construction and reading of images as visual language.
Music Courses
MUS 199 – Discovering African and Latin American Music (section D, CRN 38647), TR 1:00 – 2:20 p.m. in room 1018 Music Building.
Taught by T. Turino
Study of African and South American music with special emphasis on Zimbabwe and Peru. 
MUS 199 – Introduction to Classical Piano  (section D2, CRN 40226), TR 10:00-10:50 a.m., room 103 Smith Memorial Hall and M 4:00-5:50 p.m. room 106 Smith Memorial Hall
Taught by C. Tsitsaros
Introduces students to keyboard masterpieces from baroque to the 20th century. Students of any level are welcome, including those with little or no prior performance background.
MUS 199 – Piano Study: An Historical Approach (section D4, CRN 38648), W 2:00-2:50 p.m., room 106 Smith Memorial Hall and TR 2:00-2:50 p.m. 103 Smith Memorial Hall
Taught by C. Alexander
Combines piano instruction with an understanding of the history of the development of the instrument. Explores the diversity of keyboard music from different countries and cultures dating from circa 1700 to the present. Includes jazz and ragtime. Students do not need a background in piano or music to take this class. 
MUS 199 – Vocal Music in African American Context (section D6, CRN 38211), MWF 10:00-10:50 a.m., room 106 Smith Memorial Hall
Taught by O. Davis
Surveys the vocal music of African-Americans from the solo song to the gospel chorus. Vocal technique for jazz, R & B, and gospel music will be discussed, with particular attention given to text delivery, improvisation, and the extended use of the chest voice.
MUS 199 – Heart, Body, and Soul (section D7, CRN 38175), TR 2:00-3:50 p.m. in room 2100 Music Building.
Taught by B. Coleman
Learn about the development of musical style, the history of the music, composers, artists, sociological impact, and components that shape the foundation of the spiritual, gospel, contemporary pop, bluegrass, rock, jazz, R & B, hip-hop, and other American folk elements.
Theatre Course
THEA 199 – Play Reading (section DIS, CRN 57815), T 6:00-8:50 p.m., room 4503 KCPA
Taught by P. Davis
Introduces students to the process in which the content and themes of a play are examined and discussed in great detail among a case in preparation for production. No acting experience is required, though a desire to act and an interest in delving deeply into a play is a must.

AHS ICT Meeting Dates

Meeting dates for all AHS majors have been set - they can be found here: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/dmurph/www/index_files/Events/AHS%20ICT%20FA%2011%20meeting%20flyer.pdf
Students interested in any AHS majors (Community Health; Kinesiology; I-Health; Recreation, Sport, and Tourism; and Speech and Hearing Science) should plan on attending one of these meetings for EACH AHS major they're interested in, since there is only time to attend one major's break-out session at each meeting. So if you're interested in Community Health AND Kinesiology, plan on attending two of these meeting dates.
The ICT application is available here: http://www.advising.ahs.illinois.edu/ICTInformation.aspx Applications can be submitted any time between mid-term and the last day of classes.

MCB150 Restrictions Lifted

Restrictions on MCB150 have been lifted, so if you want/need this course but have been unable to register for it, please try again. Contact me to discuss this course if you want to learn more - it's not an appropriate choice for those just looking to fulfill a life science gen ed.

New International Undergraduate Orientation Event

If you're an incoming international student, you should have received an invitation to the event described below. If it sounds interesting to you, make sure to respond to the invitation right away - you'll note they only have room for a certain number of students. Here's the blurb I received about this:
We are writing to inform you of a new orientation seminar designed especially for undergraduate international students admitted for Fall 2011.  All newly-admitted undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to attend this orientation program.  We are asking for your assistance in disseminating this information to relevant faculty, staff, and students.

 The program is scheduled for Saturday, August 27 from 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM at the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC), with lunch provided.  The topics for the program include:

 .     U.S. university and academic expectations

.     personal safety and security;

.     academic and Student Affairs support services;

.     student rights and responsibilities;

.     cross-cultural understanding and social opportunities.

 Formal invitations and a web registration form for the program will be sent to all new international undergraduate students by email.  Space limitations only allow us to accommodate 700, so students are encouraged to register as soon as they receive the invitation.

MCB Minor

I received more information on the new MCB Minor:


We are excited to announce our new minor in MCB!  Students are eligible to declare beginning August 15th.
The minor, administered by the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, is designed to provide students with an understanding of foundational principles of physiology, cellular and developmental biology, microbiology, molecular genetics and biochemistry. A minor in Molecular and Cellular Biology will prepare students for training in medicine and other health sciences, graduate studies in related disciplines, as well as for employment opportunities in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.


Details on how to declare the minor
Times the MCB Advisors will be available for express advising early in the fall semester